Well, I did it! I chose new upholstery fabric, for the chair I just sanded and stained. While I was considering a more traditional fabric… I decided to take a more “daring” approach, with an ultra-suede animal print, what many people call a new “neutral”. Now, I’ve heard that every room should have one surprise, so hopefully this will be a good surprise! There was a lot to consider, while walking the aisles at Sal Beressi Fabrics Co., on Bryant Street, in San Francisco. The family room, where the chair is destined, is filled with natural fibers, corduroy, leather, wood,…
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There’s a brand new shop in midtown, packed with vintage collectables, called Scout Living! Scout Living’s eclectic inventory is a wonderful compilation of mid-century artifacts, stocked by ten local collectors. Erin and her husband are the store’s proprietors. They’re a sweet couple and their excitement about this new adventure is infectious. I saw several pieces I could have loaded into the back of the SUV, right then and there, including this Dorothy Draper reproduction chest of drawers. The zebra, right in front of it, would have been mine fore sure, had someone else not beaten me to the punch! This…
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One of my all time favorite home furnishing collections can be found at ABC Home and Carpet in Manhattan. Well, the husband and wife owners of ABC divorced, so the husband went to California and opened a 100,000 sf store in L.A. Six months ago, the San Francisco store opened and I finally had a chance to take a look last weekend. There’s a good mix of contemporary furnishings, with everything from natural organic fabrics to the more glamorous end of contemporary. This metallic silver nightstand is 32″ wide and runs approximately $1200. I absolutely love it!! It’s much more…
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I purchased this chair 5 or 6 years ago, with intentions to stain and reupholstering it soon. Now, I’m finally getting to the project. Now, I was using an old block sander, when my husband gave me a piece of sponge backed with sandpaper. What a difference it makes when you’re using the right tools! Once sanded, I was able to put on 3 coats of stain, taking the chair from oak to dark walnut. Now, I’m think about this fabric, but wonder if I should go with something less traditional. The colors will go well with our family room…
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Want a new look, without breaking the bank this summer? Decorative throw pillows are one of the world’s greatest accessories, that can add new life to a sitting area or bedroom. Dwell Studio has a great selection of pillows to check out at a very reasonable price point, in the $50’s and $60’s. The color combinations just say summer to me! I can see them in our kitchen window seat. Hmmm… If you’d like to open the door each day, to a home you love, call me! 916/203-3060
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While at the Designer Showcase last week, I got all sorts of clever ideas, including this wonderful way to open two rooms to one another. At first glance, you think you’re looking at a framed mirror. But then, you realize it’s an actual opening in the wall and the frame is painted to match the room’s decor. Wouldn’t this be perfect for a nursery? Or even a reception window at a doctor’s office! But please, no frosted glass!
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Oh my! This year’s SF Design Showhouse is jaw-dropping spectacular!! As if the Pacific Heights neighborhood isn’t fabulous enough, the house is truly remarkable. The checkerboard marble entry floor appears to be original but the entry walls are as smooth and lacquered as that of a new cocoa colored new car. Walk to your right, past a grand staircase, to a living room with a stunning view of the bay. I was in awe of the work done by the designers. Talent superstars! While the stone “tile” in the “Nanny’s Bath” was one of the simpler spaces, I loved the…
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Every year, I look forward to a wonderful day with my women friends, as we visit the San Francisco Decorator Showcase . I am always inspired and amazed by what the creative design geniuses come up with each year. The homes are usually located in prime San Francisco areas, boasting a gorgeous view. The homes, even unfurnished, are beautiful by themselves. When you add the sumptuous furnishings, silk draperies, fresh flowers and original art, it’s really quite an “eye full”! Open through May 30th, at 2950 Vallejo Street, the show house benefits the San Francisco University High School and tickets…
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